Special Edition: NFL Preview: NFC East

1. Philadelphia Eagles Projected: 14-2
The Eagles have put themselves in the Super Bowl chase thanks to tons of moves this off season. Michael Vick was so good that the Eagles decided to trade away their "franchise" quarterback Kevin Kolb. He is beginning to look like the player he was in Atlanta. The backfield is improved with the signing of Ronnie Brown. LeSean McCoy will get more carries but Brown will be a nice compliment. The receiving core for Vick is strong. DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, newly added Steve Smith and tight end Brent Celek. Jackson is a deep threat while Maclin and Smith do damage near the line of scrimmage and will be somewhat of a security blanket for Vick. The defensive line will improve now with ends Jason Babin and Cullen Jenkins coming over. Trent Cole has become a serious pass-rushing threat over the years. The linebacker situation might be the biggest question on this Eagles squad. They have three rookies that may be forced to start in Brian Rolle, Casey Matthews and Greg Lloyd. The secondary is now stacked with Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie coming over. Philadelphia is loaded, they're my pick to win the Super Bowl.
2. Dallas Cowboys Projected: 10-6
After a rough season in 2010 in which Tony Romo went down with a collarbone injury and the team struggled to a 6-10 mark. With Romo back the Cowboys definitely have a playoff shot. Even without Romo the Cowboys felt that Jon Kitna did a decent job replacing him. The backfield doesn't have a power back as Marion Barber was cut but has explosive Felix Jones. The wide outs include Miles Austin, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten. All have good size and are dependable. The offensive line is headed by center Andre Gurode. Doug Free did okay replacing Flozell Adams. The defense is good on the line and has strong linebackers. Defensive tackle Jay Ratliff and ends Igor Olshansky and Marcus Spears are good. DeMarcus Ware is probably the best linebacker in the league. Keith Brooking is declining but is still effective. Orlando Scandrick and Mike Jenkins will have to lead the secondary.
3. New York Giants Projected: 8-8
Eli Manning may never be as good as Peyton but New York still wins with him. He has a decent arm and okay accuracy but he'll miss Steve Smith. The Giants managed to both resign speedy Ahmad Bradshaw and powerful Brandon Jacobs. But without Smith the receiving crops are pretty weak. Kevin Boss will be missed also but the Giants are hoping that Mario Manningham will breakout this year. Hakeem Nicks and Rameses Barden are big options for Manning but don't have Steve Smith's speed. Tight end Travis Beckum is the favorite to replace Boss. The offensive line is weak now without some key starters. The defense is good on the line and in the secondary. Mathis Kiwanuka, Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umeniyora are strong on the line. The linebacker core is the weakest part of the squad. Both Greg Jones and Mark Herzlich were brought in to help its depth. Both Phillip Dillard and Jonathan Goff will have to step it up. Prince Amukamara was a first-rounder and will make plays. Kenny Phillips is still with the team and Antrel Rolle will also keep offensive players from getting past them.
4. Washington Redskins Projected: 3-13
The Redskins enter the 2011 season as one of the worst teams in the NFL due to their current quarterback situation. John Beck and Rex Grossman are the top two favorites but Kellen Clemens might also get looks. The backfield isn't very strong either as the Redskins are looking between Tim Hightower, Ryan Torain and youngsters Evan Royster and Roy Helu. The receiving core is okay as Washington improved it with Donte Stallworth and Jabar Gaffney. Tight end Chris Cooley is one of the top players at his position and like every tight end, is a threat in the red zone. Trent Williams is improving at the tackle positon on the line. The defensive line isn't flashy but is still okay. Adam Carriker is hard-working and will make plays. The linebacker core is led by Brian Orakpo and London Fletcher. DeAngelo Hall isn't the best but he gets the job done. O.J. Atogwe and LaRon Landry will also makes plays in the secondary.